He who fears punishment will be well-mannered
In a positive indicator confirming that the development of the penal system and the enhancement of legal protection for society have yielded discipline in Kuwaiti streets and contributed to a reduction in crime rates, Minister of Justice Advisor Nasser Al-Sumeit announced that the Ministry’s statistics on cases registered before the Public Prosecution showed a 45.5 percent decline in kidnapping cases during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with the total number of cases dropping from 99 to 54. Offenses against honor and reputation also fell by 28 percent, decreasing from 168 cases to 121.
Advisor Al-Sumeit stated that the statistics revealed a decline in several serious crimes related to violations of liberty and honor. Crimes involving indecent assault by coercion, threat, or deception dropped by 50 percent, from 76 cases to 38. He added that rape by coercion decreased by 6.3 percent, while indecent assault against persons lacking capacity fell by 30 percent. Additionally, child abduction by individuals with custody rights declined by 45.3 percent, and kidnapping by coercion with intent to cause harm dropped by 64.3 percent.
He clarified that these indicators coincide with ongoing efforts to develop the penal system and strengthen legal protection for society. Among the key legislative reforms in this regard is the repeal of Article 182 of the Penal Code, which previously allowed for non-punishment of a kidnapper if he married the abducted person in a lawful marriage with the guardian’s consent and the guardian requested leniency. This legal excuse has now been abolished, thereby strengthening accountability for perpetrators of such crimes.
He noted that the new Law on Protection from Domestic Violence has enhanced penal protection for groups most vulnerable to abuse. The law prohibits withdrawing complaints, reaching settlements with the abuser, or granting pardons in cases of sexual assault and domestic violence offenses committed against children, persons lacking legal capacity, or those with diminished capacity, as well as violence committed by children against one of their parents.
The Minister of Justice affirmed the government’s continued implementation of the National Plan for Updating the Legislative System and reviewing penal and procedural laws to strengthen the protection of rights and freedoms and to consolidate security and the rule of law.
